What is the biggest predictor of college success?

I'm pretty nervous about moving from high school to college and maintaining my academic success. What factors or attributes have been proven to be the most important predictors of college success? Is it IQ, study habits, attendance, organization, or something else?

There are multiple factors that can contribute to success in college, making it somewhat complicated to identify just one "biggest" predictor. However, from a broad perspective, high school GPA is often cited as one of the best predictors of college success. The reasoning behind this is that your high school GPA reflects not just your intelligence, but also your work ethic, organization, ability to meet deadlines, and to a certain extent your study habits - all of which are essential for doing well in college.

That being said, your ability to adapt and grow - also known as "grit" or resilience - is another crucial factor. College can be a time of significant change and challenge, and those who are able to bounce back from adversity and continue striving towards their goals tend to do well.

Moreover, study habits are undoubtedly crucial. Good study habits can help ensure that you're engaging with the material, staying on top of assignments, and preparing adequately for exams. Effectively managing your time, breaking your study time into manageable chunks instead of cramming, and finding a study environment that works for you are some examples of effective study habits.

Lastly, your level of engagement at the university can also play a significant role in your overall success. This includes not just going to class, but also participating in discussions, going to office hours, getting involved in student organizations, and generally being an active member of the community.

So, in conclusion, while high school GPA is a traditionally reliable predictor due to the breadth of skills it reflects, many other personal variables like resilience, study habits, and the degree of your engagement with the university community also play a very significant role in determining success in college.